https://www.floridarealtors.org/ Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as The Voice for Real Estate® in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations. en https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/building-agent-training-program-beats-franchises New agents need consistent daily, weekly and monthly habits to build lasting real estate careers, and independent brokerages don't need franchise-level resources to help them get there. Success depends on clear systems, steady accountability and practical training that teaches agents how to prospect, build skills and stay motivated. Fri, 29 May 26 10:05:36 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/building-agent-training-program-beats-franchises https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/tax-planning-can-play-bigger-role-long-term-wealth-building-many Tax planning is often treated as an annual, or quarterly, task tied to filing deadlines, but financial experts say it can have a much larger influence on long-term wealth building if it’s approached as an ongoing financial strategy rather than a last-minute exercise. Fri, 29 May 26 10:05:56 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/tax-planning-can-play-bigger-role-long-term-wealth-building-many https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/nar-backs-contractor-classification-changes A proposed federal rule could reshape how independent contractors are classified under labor law, a change real estate leaders say would provide more clarity and consistency for brokers and agents. Thu, 28 May 26 14:05:28 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/nar-backs-contractor-classification-changes https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/mortgage-rates-rise-highest-level-nine-months The average 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.53% this week from 6.51%, while the 15-year fixed rate increased to 5.66% from 5.65%, according to Freddie Mac. Rising borrowing costs continue putting pressure on affordability and monthly payment calculations for buyers heading into summer. Thu, 28 May 26 12:05:20 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/mortgage-rates-rise-highest-level-nine-months https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/online-listings-shape-buyer-first-impressions A strong digital presentation will help sellers attract more attention before buyers decide whether to schedule an in-person showing. Thu, 28 May 26 9:05:24 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/online-listings-shape-buyer-first-impressions https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/floridas-office-market-isnt-just-one-story Several Florida office markets are outperforming broader national trends, according to a new CommercialCafe report. Miami posted the nation’s lowest vacancy rate among major office markets at 12.5%, while Tampa remained below the national average and Orlando stood out for comparatively affordable office rents. Thu, 28 May 26 9:05:05 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/floridas-office-market-isnt-just-one-story https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/real-estate-qa-can-hoa-regulate-street-parking Whether an HOA can regulate street parking often depends on who owns the road. Associations generally have more authority on private streets than public roads. Wed, 27 May 26 13:05:46 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/real-estate-qa-can-hoa-regulate-street-parking https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/no-contemplated-interest-when-appraised When Realtors prepare a value or price opinion, other than in pursuit of a listing or to assist a potential buyer in formulating a purchase offer, the opinion must include any present or contemplated interest, including the possibility of representing the seller or buyers. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:01 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/no-contemplated-interest-when-appraised https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/two-forms-can-protect-backup-offers In a strong seller’s market, addenda W and X can help sellers accept a top offer while protecting their next option if the deal falls through. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:47 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/two-forms-can-protect-backup-offers https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/new-appraisal-standards-could-change-transactions A nationwide overhaul of appraisal reporting is underway, bringing more detailed property data and standardized reporting requirements. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:06 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/new-appraisal-standards-could-change-transactions https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/many-buyers-misunderstand-home-insurance-coverage A new survey found many Americans misunderstand what standard homeowners and auto insurance policies actually cover, including flood damage, rebuilding costs and common exclusions. For Realtors, the findings underscore why insurance literacy should be part of affordability and homeownership conversations early in the buying process. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:03 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/many-buyers-misunderstand-home-insurance-coverage https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/survey-finds-lifestyle-buyers-remain-active-more-cautious Buyers interested in lifestyle-focused, master-planned communities continue to show strong interest in relocation markets, particularly in warm-weather states. They're financially secure, expect to pay cash for their next home and are more deliberately researching their choices. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:44 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/survey-finds-lifestyle-buyers-remain-active-more-cautious https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/consumers-cut-back-spending-housing-interest-holds Consumers grew more cautious about spending in May as inflation remained elevated, but interest in existing-home purchases held up better than broader consumer sentiment. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:11 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/consumers-cut-back-spending-housing-interest-holds https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-budget-heads-vote-housing-funds-included Florida House and Senate leaders reached a final agreement on a nearly $115 billion state budget late Sunday, clearing the way for lawmakers to hold a final vote Friday after an extended special session. The plan includes funding for Florida Realtors legislative priorities – Hometown Heroes, SHIP and SAIL affordable housing programs. Tue, 26 May 26 14:05:10 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-budget-heads-vote-housing-funds-included